"It's disappointing that Andy can't continue. It's disappointing for him because I know how much he wanted to play here as well," tournament director Cameron Pearson told the ABC.

"He's done his best to be ready for the tournament but hasn't quite come up. He's doing everything he can to play again.

"I had a long chat with him and he's really looking forward to getting his body right and playing in Melbourne."

Murray said he was "very disappointed" not to be playing in Brisbane.

"I came here with every intention of making a strong start to the year, but sadly my team and I don't feel that I'm where I need to be just yet to compete at the highest level," Murray said in a statement.

"I have great memories of playing here in Brisbane and I have always enjoyed competing in front of the Queensland fans, so look forward to returning in the near future."

Australian Bernard Tomic also pulled out of the Brisbane International's qualifying tournament.

The tournament was meant to be the scene of Murray's comeback after missing the second half of 2017 because of his hip problem.

But the Scotsman conceded his expectations "weren't massively high" due to a lack of match fitness.

On Monday, he took to the practice courts with Canadian Milos Raonic, where Murray was put through his paces during a scratch match.